Larry Austin

Full biography Larry Austin

Larry Austin (1930-2018) was an American composer known for his innovative works in electronic and computer music. He studied with several distinguished composers, including Violet Archer at the University of North Texas and Darius Milhaud at Mills College. He was the first American composer to receive the Magistere in electroacoustic composition from the University of Paris, and his works have been performed all over the world.

Austin's music was often characterized by its use of technology to create new sounds and timbres. His works incorporated algorithmic composition, live electronics, and other experimental techniques. He was also a prolific writer and educator, and he taught at several universities throughout his career, including the University of North Texas, the University of California San Diego, and the University of the Pacific.

In addition to his own compositions, Larry Austin was also known for his work as a curator and editor. He co-founded the journal "Source: Music of the Avant-garde" in 1966, which published works and articles by some of the most important artists of the time, including John Cage, Harry Partch, and Morton Feldman. Austin was also the editor of several important publications on electronic music, including "New Music and Electronic Music Documents" and "Contemporary Composers on Contemporary Music".

Overall, Larry Austin was a highly influential composer and educator who made significant contributions to the development of electronic music. His legacy continues to inspire musicians and composers around the world.